A surprising new trend is gaining momentum across China — adults using pacifiers to manage mental stress, improve sleep, and even help quit smoking.

What began as an unusual coping method has now turned into a viral phenomenon, especially among young adults seeking comfort in high-stress environments.

These specially designed adult pacifiers, larger in size than baby ones, first gained attention in September 2025. Priced at around 10 yuan (approximately 425 Pakistani rupees), they are now widely available online and in wellness stores across the country.

According to user reviews, many people find relief and comfort through this soothing habit, claiming it brings back childhood memories and offers a sense of psychological calm. Some use it to ease anxiety, others for better sleep, or to curb smoking cravings.

Read More: British envoy Jane Marriott to take direct PIA flight from Pakistan to Manchester

"It helps me fall asleep when I feel anxious," shared one user on a Chinese social media platform. "It reminds me of the security I felt as a child."

Despite its rising popularity, medical professionals have raised red flags. Dr. Ting Kaomin, a dentist in China, warned that using a pacifier for more than three hours a day can lead to dental misalignment, jaw pain, and chewing difficulties within a year.

There are also safety risks. If used during sleep, there is a chance that a broken piece could block the airway, causing choking hazards.

Psychologist Zheng Mo believes that the trend points to a deeper emotional need rather than a true solution. "This is often a childlike response to adult emotional stress," she explained. "Instead of addressing the root cause of anxiety or depression, people are turning to comforting behaviors from childhood."